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Disney Character Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

Senior Software Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

... database design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are ...

... design, cloud connectivity, and testing support. Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resumeand make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $185K/yr

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it! Key Responsibilities * Drive mechanical design and ...

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

From character and level design to competitive gameplay and system design, help shape the future of ... for our collaboration with Disney. In this role, you will collaborate closely with ...

You move quickly from CAD to prototype, adapt easily as the design space evolves, and thrive in environments where not everything is fully defined. Please include the Disney character that best ...

You move quickly from CAD to prototype, adapt easily as the design space evolves, and thrive in environments where not everything is fully defined. Please include the Disney character that best ...

Mechanical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

You move quickly from CAD to prototype, adapt easily as the design space evolves, and thrive in environments where not everything is fully defined. Please include the Disney character that best ...

Please include the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask ... Design test procedures to evaluate stabilization quality under various motion conditions * Measure ...

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resumeand make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $195K/yr

... the Disney character that best describes you in your resume-and make sure to ask your interviewers the same. They are expecting it. Key Responsibilities * Drive electrical design and integration ...

You move quickly from CAD to prototype, adapt easily as the design space evolves, and thrive in environments where not everything is fully defined. Please include the Disney character that best ...

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Disney Character Design information

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$104.5K

$120.5K

$128.5K

How much do disney character design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for disney character design in the United States is $120,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,000.00 and $127,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a Disney designer make?

A Disney character designer typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced artists with strong portfolios and skills in animation software can earn higher salaries.

How much do Disney character designers make?

Disney character designers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of expertise. Entry-level designers may start lower, while experienced artists with strong portfolios and skills in digital illustration and animation can earn higher salaries.

What is a Disney Character Design job?

A Disney Character Design job involves creating visually compelling and unique characters that align with Disney's storytelling and artistic style. Character designers develop concept art, refine character personalities, and collaborate with animators, directors, and writers to ensure designs fit the project's narrative. They must have strong artistic skills, creativity, and an understanding of anatomy, expression, and movement. This role is essential in bringing Disney's animated films, TV shows, and theme park attractions to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Disney Character Design position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Disney Character Designer, you need a strong foundation in drawing, visual storytelling, anatomy, and character development, typically backed by a degree in illustration, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and drawing tablets, along with experience using animation software like Toon Boom or Autodesk Maya, is highly valued. Creativity, collaboration, strong communication, and the ability to accept feedback are essential soft skills in this role. These qualifications are vital for consistently producing iconic, appealing characters that align with Disney’s brand and storytelling standards while working effectively in a team-driven environment.

What does a typical workday look like for a Disney Character Designer?

A typical day for a Disney Character Designer involves brainstorming new concepts, sketching character ideas, refining designs based on feedback, and collaborating closely with other artists, storytellers, and animators. Designers often attend team meetings to review project briefs and align on creative direction, as well as work independently to develop presentation materials. There is a strong emphasis on iteration, with designers revising artwork to meet narrative goals and ensure consistency with established visual styles. The role offers a dynamic mix of individual creativity and teamwork, making communication and flexibility key to success in daily responsibilities.

How much do imagineers make?

Disney Imagineers, who design and develop attractions and experiences for Disney theme parks, typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience and role. Senior positions or specialized designers can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. The role requires creativity, technical skills, and knowledge of design tools like CAD and 3D modeling software.

How to get jobs as a character designer?

To get jobs as a character designer, build a strong portfolio showcasing your original character concepts and art skills, and gain experience through internships or freelance projects. Proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and understanding of character anatomy and storytelling are essential. Networking within the industry and applying to animation studios, gaming companies, or entertainment firms can also improve job prospects.
What cities are hiring for Disney Character Design jobs? Cities with the most Disney Character Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Disney Character Design jobs? The most popular types of Disney Character Design jobs are:
What states have the most Disney Character Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Disney Character Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Disney Character Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Disney Character Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Disney Character Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,531 per year, or $57.9 per hour.
Character Designer - Disney Television Animation

Character Designer - Disney Television Animation

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA

$59.16 - $65.87/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create turnarounds, special poses, mouth charts, and expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.

  • Work closely with the Art Director to review storyboards for characters that need to be designed for each episode.

  • Ensure that the high quality and style of the show established by the Executive Producer and Art Director is achieved and maintained.


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 126 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 48 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Character Designer - Disney Television Animation

Req ID:

10151477

Job Description:

About this Role and our Studio

Disney Television Animation(DTVA)has over 40 years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integraltoThe Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families' homes across the globe.

DTVA createsboth long-form and short-form content spanningtraditional2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion.We createshows ina broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style.

Bysubmittingan applicationfor thisCharacter Designerrole, youmaybeconsideredforanyCharacter Designer positions that arise until theexpirationdate provided.

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Whatyou willdo

Character Designers furtherthe storytelling process by developing the look,personalityand feel of the characters.Their work captures the personality and life of a character with their design and attire.Responsibilities include:

  • Creating turnarounds, special poses, mouthchartsand expression sheets and provide a clean pass of the final approved design.

  • Working closely with the Art Director to review Storyboard for characters that needto be designed for each episode.

  • Ensuring that the high quality and style of showestablishedby the Executive Producer andArt Director is achieved andmaintained.

  • Preparing all character designs for shipment to oversees vendor animation studios

  • Working closely withArtDirector to resolve design issues and deadlines.

  • Adhering to the production schedule provided by Line Producer to ensure cost effective,timelyproduction.

Required Qualifications and Skills

  • Abilityto design and create a variety of characters, turnarounds, mouth charts, expressionsheetsand special poses.

  • Ability to align with style and sensibility of show.

  • Ability to translate reference into 2D or 3D art.

  • Knowledge of drawing software that includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and 3D technology, where applicable.

  • Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible.

  • Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-socialskillsand acumen.

Education

  • Bachelordegree or equivalent work experience

Location

  • This is a fully on-site role based in Glendale, CA.

The pay rate for this role in California is $59.16 to $65.87 per hour, which follows the pay scale agreed upon in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The base pay actually offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Branded Television

Job Posting Primary Business:

TVA Production Management

Primary Job Posting Category:

Modeling

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-05-19

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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